26451, West Milford, West Virginia Hypertension Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Hypertension Score in 26451, West Milford, West Virginia is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

49.25 percent of residents in 26451 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 9.67 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital with a distance of 11.75 miles from the area.

**Hypertension Score: Commute to Healthcare in ZIP Code 26451**

The health of a community is intricately linked to its ability to access healthcare. This is especially true for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where consistent medical attention and medication adherence are paramount. This write-up will explore the accessibility of healthcare within and around ZIP code 26451, West Milford, West Virginia, focusing on transportation options, and how these factors influence a 'Hypertension Score' for residents. This analysis is particularly relevant for those considering moving to West Milford, offering insight into the practical realities of healthcare access.

West Milford, nestled in Harrison County, presents a unique challenge. The town's rural setting, while offering scenic beauty, often translates to limited public transportation and greater reliance on personal vehicles. This impacts healthcare access, especially for those with mobility limitations or those unable to drive. Understanding the commute to healthcare is crucial for residents managing hypertension, as timely access to medical appointments, medication refills, and emergency care is essential for their well-being.

**Driving the Healthcare Landscape**

The primary mode of transportation in and out of West Milford is by car. Residents rely heavily on the network of roads and highways to reach healthcare facilities. The main arteries include US Route 19, a vital north-south corridor, and West Virginia Route 19, which provides access to nearby towns and cities. These roads are generally well-maintained, but traffic can be a factor, especially during peak hours or inclement weather.

Drive times to healthcare providers vary depending on the destination. For routine appointments, residents often travel to Clarksburg, the county seat, or Bridgeport. The drive to Clarksburg, via US Route 19, typically takes around 15-20 minutes, assuming normal traffic conditions. Bridgeport, accessible via US Route 19 and West Virginia Route 131, is a similar distance. These destinations offer a range of medical services, including primary care physicians, specialists, and urgent care clinics.

For more specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield, potentially to Morgantown, home to West Virginia University Medicine. The drive to Morgantown, utilizing US Route 19 and I-79, can take upwards of an hour, depending on traffic. This extended travel time can be a significant barrier for individuals with hypertension, particularly during emergencies or when frequent follow-up appointments are necessary.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option**

Public transportation options in West Milford are severely limited. Harrison County does offer a public transit system, but its routes and schedules are infrequent, and its reach is restricted. The system primarily serves Clarksburg and surrounding areas, with limited service to West Milford. This lack of robust public transit significantly impacts those who cannot drive or do not have access to a personal vehicle.

The availability of accessible public transportation is a critical consideration for individuals with hypertension. Many suffer from mobility issues, making driving difficult or impossible. The absence of reliable public transit forces them to rely on family, friends, or other less-dependable transportation options, potentially delaying or preventing them from receiving necessary medical care. The Harrison County Transit Authority operates buses, but service to West Milford is not frequent, and ADA-compliant features may vary. The lack of a dedicated route with frequent stops directly to healthcare facilities further compounds the problem.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport: Bridging the Gap**

Ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the area, but their presence in West Milford is not as consistent as in more urban areas. Availability may be limited, particularly during off-peak hours or in inclement weather. This unreliability can pose a challenge for individuals needing transportation to appointments or for emergency medical care.

Medical transportation services, like MedRide and other private companies, offer specialized transportation for individuals with medical needs. These services often provide door-to-door transportation and assistance, making them a valuable resource for those unable to drive or use public transit. However, these services can be expensive, and their availability may be limited.

**The Hypertension Score: A Composite Assessment**

The 'Hypertension Score' for ZIP code 26451 reflects the combined impact of transportation limitations on healthcare access. It considers drive times to healthcare facilities, the availability and reliability of public transit, the presence of ride-sharing services, and the accessibility of medical transportation.

A high score indicates excellent healthcare access, while a low score signifies significant barriers. For West Milford, the score would likely be moderate, reflecting the challenges posed by limited public transportation, the potential for long drive times, and the reliance on personal vehicles.

Factors that would lower the score include:

* Long drive times to specialized medical care.
* Infrequent public transit service.
* Limited ride-sharing availability.
* High cost of medical transportation services.
* Poor road conditions during inclement weather.

Factors that would raise the score include:

* Shorter drive times to primary care and urgent care facilities.
* Increased frequency and coverage of public transit.
* Reliable and affordable ride-sharing services.
* Availability of subsidized medical transportation.
* Improved road infrastructure.

**Implications for Moving to West Milford**

For individuals considering moving to West Milford, understanding the 'Hypertension Score' is essential. Those managing hypertension must carefully assess their transportation needs and healthcare access options. They should consider the availability of healthcare providers, the distance to those providers, and the reliability of transportation.

Before relocating, potential residents should research the local healthcare landscape, including the location of clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies. They should also explore the availability of public transit, ride-sharing services, and medical transportation options. It is also wise to assess the potential costs associated with transportation and healthcare.

**Conclusion: Prioritizing Healthcare Access**

Healthcare access is a fundamental right, and ensuring that all residents can receive the care they need is crucial. In West Milford, the challenges of transportation and the limited public transit options necessitate a focus on improving healthcare access. This could involve expanding public transit services, increasing ride-sharing availability, and providing subsidies for medical transportation.

Ultimately, improving the 'Hypertension Score' for ZIP code 26451 requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses the transportation barriers to healthcare. By prioritizing healthcare access, West Milford can create a healthier community for all its residents, especially those managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The integration of transportation infrastructure and healthcare access is a crucial factor for those considering moving to West Milford.